Beverage chiller and method

ABSTRACT

A beverage chilling apparatus includes a body defining one or more upwardly-open cavities shaped to receive a container filled with beverage, and a downwardly-open annular cavity extending around the upwardly-open cavity(ies). The cavity has a large open bottom opening suitable for receiving scooped crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity. A bottom cap threads onto and sealingly covers the bottom opening to retain the ice in the annular cavity, and further in designed to hold some water from melted ice in the container. A method of chilling comprises filling the body to scoop crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity, and covering the bottom opening to retain the ice in the downwardly-open cavity, and inverting the body to thus chill containers placed in the at least one upwardly-open cavity.

This application claims benefit under 35 USC section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/942,329, filed Feb. 20, 2014, entitled BEVERAGE CHILLER AND METHOD, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly relates to a beverage chiller that is effective for keeping beverages cool, but also that facilitates addition of ice and cooling media without contaminating the beverage and that also facilitates fast reuse without requiring specialized cooling equipment.

Restaurants and bars often serve beverages outside in warm climate conditions. The ability to keep the beverages cold is important, because warm conditions cause carbonated beverages to lose their CO2 at a much greater rate, creating a “flat, lifeless” beverage. Specifically, by keeping the beverage cooler, the expulsion rate of CO2 is reduced, making a last sip as refreshing as the first sip. Icing the beverage is often not satisfactory, since the ice melts causing the beverage to become diluted, which affects the flavor and also causes a reduced level of carbonation. Thus, the ability to keep beverages chilled often requires special equipment, such as to quickly chill the beverage container, which special equipment is expensive, takes up space, and takes time to chill the drink containers. Further, it can create sanitation difficulties if not managed properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a beverage chilling apparatus for chilling a container filled with beverage comprises a body with a first section defining an upwardly-open center cavity shaped to receive the container, and with a second section defining a downwardly-open annular cavity extending around the first section, the downwardly-open annular cavity defining a large open bottom opening suitable for receiving crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity, and a bottom cap shaped to cover the bottom opening to retain the ice in the annular cavity.

In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage chilling apparatus for chilling containers filled with beverage, comprises a body with a first section defining a plurality of upwardly-open cavities each shaped to receive the containers, and with a second section defining at least one downwardly-open cavity extending around the upwardly-open cavities and defining an access opening large enough to receive ice, and a bottom cap shaped to cover the bottom opening to retain the ice in the downwardly-open cavity.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing chilled beverage, comprises providing a body with a first section defining an upwardly-open cavity when in a use position, and with a second section defining a downwardly-open annular cavity extending around the first section, the downwardly-open annular cavity defining a large open bottom opening, inverting the body and putting ice into the annular cavity, covering the bottom opening to retain the ice in the annular cavity, inverting the body so that the upwardly-open cavity faces upwardly, and placing a container filled with beverage in the upwardly-open cavity to chill the beverage.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of chilling one or more containers filled with beverage, comprises providing a body with a first section defining at least one upwardly-open cavity each shaped to receive a container, and with a second section defining at least one downwardly-open cavity extending around the at least one upwardly-open cavity, the at least one downwardly-open annular cavity defining a bottom opening, manipulating the body to scoop crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity, and covering the bottom opening to retain the ice in the downwardly-open cavity so that when inverted, the one or more containers are chilled when placed in the at least one upwardly-open cavity.

An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage cooler that does not require specialized equipment, but instead that can utilize ice (crushed or cube) from existing equipment that the service industry already has in place.

An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage chilling system that does not cause cross contaminate issues when in high volume settings.

An object of the present invention is to provide a beverage cooler that is sanitary, dish-washer safe, aesthetically acceptable, customizable to fit a restaurant's decor, and that does not require significant time to be chilled prior to re-use.

The present beverage chiller can be easily replenished with fresh ice at any time, which eliminates the need for long refreezing time as required by freezing gels or similar refreezing agents. There is no need for special equipment, the unit can be replenished with ice that the service industry already has in place. It can be filled with crushed ice cubed ice, or simply filled with ice and water, which will keep the beverage chilled without watering down the beverage.

The present apparatus is a beverage holder, not a wrap. Because of this, it greatly reduces any cross contaminate issues that can arise in high volume settings. The present apparatus not only chills, but also stabilizes any beverage. Spilled beverages are virtually eliminated due to its wide base and stable construction.

The present apparatus can easily be cleaned by simply dipping the unit in a sanitizer, which is the industry standard for cleaning The present apparatus never comes in direct contact with customer mouths. It is also dishwasher safe. Both the body and the cover are stackable, which is very important in the service industry, since it allows several units to be placed in a very small area for easy access at any time.

As noted above, the present apparatus can be configured to fit virtually any drinking vessel. It can also be personalized with a wide range of colors and company logos in order to add a personal touch. For “dressing it up”, an insulating sleeve or even a stainless steel sleeve can be made to slide over the body in order to give it a touch of class (as well as adding insulating properties).

The illustrated body and cover provide a quarter turn release and sealing process, which allows for quick and easy refilling. In the service industry, the chiller must do more than just chill. It is very important for the unit to be fast and easy to operate, all of which the present apparatus accomplishes.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present beverage chilling apparatus, including a plastic beverage cup placed therein.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the body of the beverage chilling apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-4 are exploded perspective views of a modified apparatus similar to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5-6 are perspective views of another additional apparatus similar to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present beverage chilling apparatus 20 (FIG. 1) includes a body 21 defining an upwardly-open center cavity 22 shaped to receive a container 23 (i.e. shown as an 8, 12 or 18 oz.

plastic cup). The body 21 defines a downwardly-open annular cavity 24 extending around the center cavity 22, and defines a large open bottom opening 25 suitable for receiving scooped-in crushed or cubed ice 26 (and/or if desired also water, and/or cold non-melting marbles or “rocks”) added into the annular cavity 24. A bottom cap 27 (also called a “cover” herein) threads onto and sealingly covers the bottom opening 25 to retain the ice 26 (and if present, fluid) in the annular cavity 24. A method of chilling comprises manipulating the body 21 to scoop crushed or cubed ice 26 into the annular cavity 24, and then covering the bottom opening 25, using the cap 27 to retain the ice 26 in the downwardly-open cavity 24 when the body 21 is inverted. By this arrangement, the apparatus 20 chills the container 23 in the upwardly-open center cavity.

Advantageously, in the present apparatus 20, the ice 26 keeps the beverage in the container 23 cold, yet the ice 26 does not contaminate nor dilute the beverage since the ice is kept separate. Also, the ice 26 is easily loaded into the body 21, such as by using the body 21 as a scoop, or alternatively by scooping ice into the body 21 using the body 21 itself. Notably, not only is the ice 26 kept separate, but the ice 26 is spaced from being immediately adjacent the container 23, such that optimal sanitation is maintained. The body 21 and cap 27 are preferably plastic and dishwasher safe, which also provides good sanitation practice, and which allows use of existing equipment already present in most restaurant and beverage service industries.

The body 21 (FIG. 2) is preferably injection molded but can be blow molded, cast, or vacuum-molded or otherwise formed. It is preferably made of a clear or colored (or opaque) plastic for aesthetics. The walls of body 21 are made sufficiently thick for structure, with the cavity 22 being large enough for ice 26 to get to where it needs to be for optimal cooling. The bottom opening 25 is large enough to scoop in ice (crushed or cubed, depending on a facility's equipment and/or requirements). The cavity 22 has a vertical depth and diameter sufficient to receive the container 23, with container 23 reaching a bottom of the cavity 22 but with the container's wall being close to body 21 for good cooling. The body 21 is designed so that a top of the container 23 extends high enough above the body 21 for easy grasping (such as ¾″ above a top of the body). A top edge of body 21 is preferably rounded or tapered to help guide container 23 into the cavity 24.

The outer diameter and bottom of the body 21 is preferably designed so that it inherently suggests that the body 21 be left on table while container 23 is lifted out. Notably, the outer surface of body 21 will support advertisement and indicia of the restaurant facility, and also the shape of the body 21 can be made to match aesthetics of the bar or restaurant. For example, the body 21 can be made to imitate an upside-down glass canning jar or rocket ship or the outer surface can be made to imitate a hand.

The illustrated cap 27 is also injection molded or blow molded. The cap 27 includes threads 28 that mate with threads 29 on the body 21. The threads 28 and 29 are designed to engage with a quick turn, such as a ¼ turn or ½ turn. The treads are sufficiently coarse to prevent cross-threading and to allow easy assembly or disassembly. Abutting surfaces on the cap 27 and body 21 sealing engage to prevent unwanted liquid leaks from melting ice. It is contemplated that the body (or cap) can be designed to receive a resilient ring seal if desired, but it is believed that a separate resilient ring seal is not required since abutting surfaces can be made to sealingly engage and also since any liquid from melting will initially “self-seal” on the cap 27. Also, the illustrated cap 27 provides a small area for water to pool into prior to leakage occurring. As noted above, the threads 28 and 29 are designed to resist cross threading, and are designed for quick easy and reliable engagement and release. Notably, the illustrated cap 27 can also double as coaster. It is contemplated that alternative caps (i.e. different shapes, sizes and dimensions) can be designed, and that the alternative caps can engage the body in a variety of different ways. For example, the cap could be a resilient member adapted to frictionally fit onto the mating portion of the body 21 (with or without rotation and/or threads), and can be made of rubber or other stretchable/frictional material. Alternatively, the cap 27 can be made to include an annular ring shaped to flex and frictionally snap onto the body 21.

Modified apparatus are shown and described below, and identical or similar features, characteristics and attributes are described using similar numbers but with the addition of a letter “A” or “B”. This is done to reduce redundant discussion.

Apparatus 20A (FIG. 3) incorporates apparatus 20 Apparatus 20A further includes an insulating sleeve 30A (FIG. 4). Notably, the apparatus 20/20A of the present invention can be any size or shape and also, it is contemplated that an insulating sleeve or covering can be used with any of the different body shapes and with various bar-identifying indicia thereon.

Apparatus 20B (FIG. 5) includes a body 21B defining a plurality of cavities 22B. The body 21B is illustrated as a cylinder, with four cavities 22B being spaced equally and circumferentially around the body 21B. It is contemplated that the body could be elongated and linear (see FIG. 6, apparatus 20C) (such as with regularly spaced cavities 22C), such as 4 or more cavities), or can be another shape (such as a crescent or square or star shape), and can include different arrangements of cup-receiving cavities 22. The illustrated body 21B includes a bottom shaped to threadably receive a single screwed-on cap 27B.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A beverage chilling apparatus for chilling a container filled with beverage, comprising: a body with a first section defining an upwardly-open center cavity shaped to receive the container, and with a second section defining a downwardly-open annular cavity extending around the first section, downwardly-open annular cavity defining a large open bottom opening suitable for receiving crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity; and a bottom cap shaped to cover the bottom opening to retain the ice in the annular cavity.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom cap has threads that engage mating threads on the body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body defines additional sections defining additional cavities.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is elongated and includes a plurality of additional upwardly-open cavities along its length.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is enlarged and includes a plurality of additional upwardly-open cavities around its perimeter.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom cap defines a pocket shaped to receive water melted from the ice in the cavity.
 7. A beverage chilling apparatus for chilling containers filled with beverage, comprising: a body with a first section defining a plurality of upwardly-open cavities each shaped to receive the containers, and with a second section defining at least one downwardly-open cavity extending around the upwardly-open cavities and defining an access opening large enough to receive ice; and a bottom cap shaped to cover the bottom opening to retain the ice in the downwardly-open cavity.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one downwardly-open annual cavity defining a large open bottom opening suitable for scooping crushed or cubed ice into the nnular cavity
 9. A method of providing chilled beverage, comprising: providing a body with a first section defining an upwardly-open cavity when in a use position, and with a second section defining a downwardly-open annular cavity extending around the first section, the downwardly-open annular cavity defining a large open bottom opening; inverting the body and putting ice into the annular cavity; covering the bottom opening to retain the ice in the annular cavity; inverting the body so that the upwardly-open cavity faces upwardly; and placing a container filled with beverage in the upwardly-open cavity to chill the beverage.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of covering includes threading the bottom cap onto mating threads on the body.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the body defines additional cavities, and including a step of placing additional containers in the additional cavities.
 12. A method of chilling one or more containers filled with beverage, comprising: providing a body with a first section defining at least one upwardly-open cavity each shaped to receive a container, and with a second section defining at least one downwardly-open cavity extending around the at least one upwardly-open cavity, the at least one downwardly-open annular cavity defining a bottom opening; manipulating the body to scoop crushed or cubed ice into the annular cavity; and covering the bottom opening to retain the ice in the downwardly-open cavity so that when inverted, the one or more containers are chilled when placed in the at least one upwardly-open cavity. 